World Champion Boxer, Manny Pacquiao's Purpose Driven Life

Aimee Herd : Jun 6, 2012
Alex Murashko – Christian Post

"I have discovered that the Bible is the manual of life, and it has given me a lot of comfort, as well as lessons on being a better person. The Bible has shown me what my priorities should be so that I can live a better life. I am so much happier and at peace because I have embraced the Bible." -Manny Pacquiao

After a scheduled Hollywood interview was cancelled recently, world champion boxer Manny Pacquiao called the author whose book had changed his life—Rick Warren.

Pacquiao says he came to Christ after reading Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life," and that he "cried through every chapter."

"I've given it out to everybody who I know," Manny added. "Now I'm a Christian, I make all my team…we memorize Scripture together."

Warren showed an excerpt from the taped interview during services at Saddleback Church this past weekend, according to the Christian Post report. The pastor and best-selling author called Pacquiao the "world's greatest boxer" since he was the only one to win the world championship in eight different weight categories. (Photo: Saddleback Church via Christian Post)

Pacquiao recently ignited the media when he made the statement that he stands behind traditional marriage, as being between one man and one woman.

After recording the interview, Rick Warren said that Pacquiao was a "Bible-quoting maniac."

Just in case his fans may not see the compatibility between following Jesus and having a boxing career, Pacquiao told Warren regarding his upcoming bout on June 9th:

"I have been authorized by my opponent to hit him. I have authorized him to hit me. It's just our careers," Pacquiao continued. ‎"This is entertainment. It's to entertain people. When I hit my opponent it doesn't mean that I don't like him. I love him." (Photo: REUTERS/Danny Moloshok)

Hailing from the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao, 33, is the current WBO Welterweight Champion, and was named the "Fighter of the Decade" for the 2000's by the Boxing Writers Association of America. He is also a Filipino congressman representing the province of Sarangani.

Besides boxing, Manny says his future goals also include humanitarian efforts like building a hospital in the province he represents. "I cannot rest until my province gets the funds to build one," he said, adding that "human trafficking is an abomination, and I will not rest until it ceases. And finally, I have dedicated my life to spreading the lessons of the Bible."